BAFE SP203-1 Qualifications
Nationally recognised Level 3 FD&A qualifications
BAFE SP203-1 Level 3 Qualifications
The Fire Industry Association offers nationally recognised Level 3 Fire Detection and Alarm (FD&A) Qualifications through the awarding organisation FireQual. These qualifications are designed to meet the BAFE SP203-1 Version 8 requirements. The scheme requires engineers working on BS 5839-1 fire detection and alarm systems to hold a regulated qualification at Level 3 or higher.
All FIA qualifications are accredited by OFQUAL at Level 3, or SCQF Level 6 in Scotland, and are recognised by BAFE as part of the new competency requirements. Whether you are just starting out or already experienced, the FIA provides a clear route to compliance and professional recognition.
Staying compliant with SP203-1 V8
SP203-1 V8 introduced new mandatory qualification requirements for key roles including:
• Lead Individual
• Lead Designer
• Lead Installation Engineer
• Lead Commissioning Engineer
• Lead Maintenance Engineer
Both of the FIA’s Fundamentals and Advanced pathways meet these latest competency standards.
Two Qualification routes
We offer two recognised routes towards BAFE SP203-1 competency. Both routes are delivered through FireQual and meet BAFE SP203-1 V8 requirements.
Choose your route
New to the Industry?
If you are new to the fire industry, or unsure whether your knowledge is sufficient to begin Fire Detection and Alarm (FD&A) Qualifications, we recommend completing the Access to FD&A Course first.
How Experienced Are You?
Start with the FIA Access Course to build essential knowledge, then move to the BS 5839-1 Fundamentals route.
Take the BS 5839-1 Fundamentals Units 1 and 2. After completing these, progress to the Fundamentals to Advanced course, which includes the Foundation exam and bridges to Advanced modules.
If you already have practical experience, start with the Fundamentals to Advanced course. After passing, move directly to your chosen Advanced Qualification. For those who do not need to specialise yet, completing BS 5839-1 Fundamentals meets the BAFE Level 3 requirement and keeps progression options open.
What the Qualifications cover
Each FIA FireQual qualification builds specialist knowledge of fire detection and alarm systems aligned with BS 5839-1. Together, the Fundamentals and Advanced routes ensure competence across design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
These qualifications are recognised by:
• BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment)
• OFQUAL (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation)
• SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
About FireQual
FireQual is the awarding organisation for the fire safety sector, providing regulated qualifications that assess both theoretical and practical competence. Developed with industry experts and accredited by OFQUAL and SQA, FireQual qualifications offer verified evidence of professional capability throughout the UK.